Tips to avoid scams

Here are tips on how to avoid scams. For additional help or to report a scam, call the Ohio Attorney General’s office at 800-750-0750 or email the office at www.ohioprotects.org.

Never send money or give personal information such as bank-account and Social Security numbers to anyone you don’t know.

Research businesses and charities via the Ohio Attorney General’s office and the Better Business Bureau. Never pay a person or company that refuses to provide written information, a phone number or a physical address.

If a caller claims to be a grandchild in trouble and requests bail or other money, ask a question only the grandchild would know how to answer, then call a family member to confirm the person’s location.

Install firewalls, anti-virus and anti-malware programs on your computer, use unique passwords and refrain from opening unfamiliar emails and attachments.

Never buy software or services from a caller who says the computer has been infected by a virus or malware. The scammer likely is trying to gain remote access to the machine and your personal information, then may lock the computer and demand “ransomware” to unlock it.

Recognize common signs of a scam, such as being asked to wire money or send prepaid gift cards, having to pay additional fees for “prizes” and being pressured to act immediately.